Bronx and city residents march against domestic violence

The New York Latinas Against Domestic Violence (NYLADV) and several residents participated, Monday in the Bride?s March to raise awareness against domestic violence.

Participants donned wedding dresses and carried signs during the six-mile march through Manhattan and the Bronx. Organizers say this is the fifth consecutive year for the Bride?s March. Members from NYLADV say the march was started to mark the anniversary when Gladys Ricart was fatally shot in her wedding dress by her ex-boyfriend. NYLADV says the wedding dresses worn by marchers are symbolic of violent relationships.

According to the mayor?s office, police responded to an average of 400 domestic violence phone calls a day in 2004. The mayor?s office also reports there were 38 family related homicides between January 1, 2005 and September 1, 2005.